On-Call Counselor- Second Story

About Us:

Encompass Community Services is the largest provider of health and human services in Santa Cruz County. We have been delivering culturally appropriate and evidence-based safety net services to our community for nearly 50 years. As a health equity organization, Encompass is committed to providing everyone in the community with access to the high-quality health and human services they need and deserve to enjoy the benefit of a long and healthy life. We operate nearly 40 programs providing a wide range of services related to family and social well-being, behavioral health, housing and more.

Second Story is an alternative residential program serving six guests, providing recovery-oriented peer support for adults in crisis or distress, who are coming out of or seeking to avoid a psychiatric hospitalization or further life disruption. Second Story is staffed by peers. Second Story is open to possibilities beyond the medical model of mental health. We strive to provide trauma informed care. 

Job Summary: 

We currently have on call opening for an On-Call Peer Counselor at our Second Story House, located in Santa Cruz. As a Peer Counselor, you will be responsible for providing a safe and secure environment by providing support to guests during their psychiatric crisis. You will provide a focus on mutual learning, connection and personal growth as the path to managing distress and crisis, and will remain vigilant and available to any guest having difficulties. Special focus will be on the guest's needs related to physical health, issues of chemical dependency and/or mental health, and reentry into the community. Services will be delivered with dignity and respect for each guest. 

Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Establish a close working relationship with guests in the program.
• Maintain the safety and security of the facility during overnight hours. Maintain a safe, clean, and sober environment.
• Remain available to any guest having difficulties, on overnight shifts.
• Participate in the effort to keep the facility clean, well maintained ad running smoothly. This may include household duties such as shopping for supplies, laundry and cleaning.
• Required trainings are provided and include trauma informed care, mindfulness meditation, motivational interviewing and intentional peer support.

Qualifications: 

Priority in hiring will go to “peers” or people with lived mental health experience. This is defined as a person who can inspire hope by openly sharing their experiences of recovery from extreme emotional distress. This may have meant having a diagnosis, being hospitalized and receiving services for a span of nine months to a lifetime. This person has learned through their challenges, remains open to life experiences and ready to give back to their community. Please discuss your experience in your cover letter. 

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent life experience.
• Availability for all shifts desirable (including overnight).
• Ability to role model daily living skills in a positive manner.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and complete tasks.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal and written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to maintain and clean, safe and supportive environment.
• Must have a vehicle, valid CA driver’s license, vehicle insurance, and good driving record to be covered by agency insurance.
• Must be able to pass a criminal record clearance